[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 84 (Friday, April 30, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23776-23784]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-9819]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Notice of a Funding Opportunity; The Community Services Block 
Grant (CSBG)

    Federal Agency Name: Administration for Children and Families, 
Office of Community Services.
    Funding Opportunity Title: The Community Services Block Grant 
Community Economic Development Discretionary Grant Program--Training 
and Technical Assistance.
    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2004-ACF-OCS-EC-0016.
    CFDA Number: 93.570.
    Due Date for Applications: The due date for receipt of applications 
is June 29, 2004.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act of 1981, as amended, 
(Section 680 of the Community Opportunities, Accountability, and 
Training and Educational Services Act of 1998), authorizes the 
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to make 
grants to provide technical and financial assistance for economic 
development activities designed to address the economic needs of low-
income individuals and families by creating employment and business 
development opportunities. Pursuant to this Announcement, OCS will make 
an award under Priority Area 5 Training and Technical Assistance (TT) 
to a non-profit organization to provide broad training and technical 
assistance to strengthen the network of CDC's funded by OCS. An 
applicant in this priority area must demonstrate its national 
experience and capability in working with a network of organizations 
and implementing projects that are nationwide in scope. The applicant 
must have the ability to collect and analyze data nationally that may 
be of benefit to CDCs and be able to disseminate information to all 
OCS-funded CDCs. The applicant must conduct an assessment of the needs 
of the CDC network and provide a work plan that includes projects to be 
completed with CED funds in order to respond to these needs.

Definitions of Terms

    The following definitions apply:
    Budget Period--The time interval into which a grant period is 
divided for budgetary and funding purposes.
    Business Start-up Period--Time interval within which the grantee 
completes preliminary project tasks. These tasks include but are not 
limited to assembling key staff, executing contracts, administering 
lease out or build-out of space for occupancy, purchasing plant and 
equipment and other similar activities. The Business Start-Up Period 
typically takes three to six months from the time OCS awards the grant 
or cooperative agreement. Cash contributions--The recipient's cash 
outlay, including the outlay of money contributed to the recipient by 
the third parties.

[[Page 23777]]

    Community Development Corporation (CDC)--A private non-profit 
corporation governed by a board of directors consisting of residents of 
the community and business and civic leaders, which has as a principal 
purpose planning, developing, or managing low-income housing or 
community development activities.
    Community Economic Development (CED)--A process by which a 
community uses resources to attract capital and increase physical, 
commercial, and business development, as well as job opportunities for 
its residents.
    Construction projects--Projects that involve land improvements and 
development or major renovation of (new or existing) facilities and 
buildings, fixtures, and permanent attachments.
    Cooperative Agreement--An award instrument of financial assistance 
when substantial involvement is anticipated between the awarding 
office, (the Federal government) and the recipient during performance 
of the contemplated project.
    Developmental/Research Phase--The time interval during the Project 
Period that precedes the Operational Phase. Grantees accomplish 
preliminary activities during this phase including establishing third 
party agreements, mobilizing monetary funds and other resources, 
assembling, rezoning, and leasing of properties, conducting 
architectural and engineering studies, constructing facilities, etc.
    Displaced worker--An individual in the labor market who has been 
unemployed for six months or longer.
    Distressed community--A geographic urban neighborhood or rural 
community of high unemployment and pervasive poverty.
    Employment education and training program--A program that provides 
education and/or training to welfare recipients, at-risk youth, public 
housing tenants, displaced workers, homeless and low-income individuals 
and that has demonstrated organizational experience in education and 
training for these populations.
    Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community Project Areas (EZ/EC)--
Urban neighborhoods and rural areas designated as such by the 
Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development and Agriculture.
    Equity investment--The provision of capital to a business entity 
for some specified purpose in return for a portion of ownership using a 
third party agreement as the contractual instrument.
    Faith-Based Community Development Corporation--A community 
development corporation that has a religious character.
    Hypothesis--An assumption made in order to test a theory. It should 
assert a cause-and-effect relationship between a program intervention 
and its expected result. Both the intervention and its result must be 
measured in order to confirm the hypothesis. The following is a 
hypothesis: ``Eighty hours of classroom training will be sufficient for 
participants to prepare a successful loan application.'' In this 
example, data would be obtained on the number of hours of training 
actually received by participants (the intervention), and the quality 
of loan applications (the result), to determine the validity of the 
hypothesis (that eighty hours of training is sufficient to produce the 
result).
    Intervention--Any planned activity within a project that is 
intended to produce changes in the target population and/or the 
environment and that can be formally evaluated. For example, assistance 
in the preparation of a business plan is an intervention.
    Job creation--New jobs, i.e., jobs not in existence prior to the 
start of the project, that result from new business startups, business 
expansion, development of new services industries, and/or other newly-
undertaken physical or commercial activities.
    Job placement--Placing a person in an existing vacant job of a 
business, service, or commercial activity not related to new 
development or expansion activity.
    Letter of commitment--A signed letter or agreement from a third 
party to the applicant that pledges financial or other support for the 
grant activities contingent only on OCS accepting the applicant's 
project proposal.
    Loan--Money lent to a borrower under a binding pledge for a given 
purpose to be repaid, usually at a stated rate of interest and within a 
specified period.
    Non-profit Organization--An organization, including faith-based and 
community-based, that provides proof of non-profit status described in 
the ``Additional Information on Eligibility'' section of this 
announcement.
    Operational Phase--The time interval during the Project Period when 
businesses, commercial development or other activities are in 
operation, and employment, business development assistance, and so 
forth are provided.
    Outcome evaluation--An assessment of project results as measured by 
collected data that define the net effects of the interventions applied 
in the project. An outcome evaluation will produce and interpret 
findings related to whether the interventions produced desirable 
changes and their potential for being replicated. It should answer the 
question: Did this program work?
    Poverty Income Guidelines--Guidelines published annually by the 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that establish the level 
of poverty defined as low-income for individuals and their families. 
The guideline information is posted on the Internet at the following 
address: http:www.hhs.aspe.gov/poverty/.
    Process evaluation--The ongoing examination of the implementation 
of a program. It focuses on the effectiveness and efficiency of the 
program's activities and interventions (for example, methods of 
recruiting participants, quality of training activities, or usefulness 
of follow-up procedures). It should answer the questions such as: Who 
is receiving what services and are the services being delivered as 
planned? It is also known as formative evaluation, because it gathers 
information that can be used as a management tool to improve the way a 
program operates while the program is in progress. It should also 
identify problems that occurred, how the problems were resolved and 
what recommendations are needed for future implementation.
    Pre-Development Phase--The time interval during the Project Period 
when an applicant or grantee plans a project, conducts feasibility 
studies, prepares a business or work plan and mobilizes non-OCS 
funding. Program income--Gross income earned by the grant recipient 
that is directly generated by an activity supported with grant funds.
    Project Period--The total time for which a project is approved for 
OCS support, including any approved extensions.
    Revolving loan fund--A capital fund established to make loans 
whereby repayments are re-lent to other borrowers.
    Self-employment--The employment status of an individual who engages 
in self-directed economic activities.
    Self-sufficiency--The economic status of a person who does not 
require public assistance to provide for his/her needs and that of his/
her immediate family.
    Sub-award--An award of financial assistance in the form of money, 
or property, made under an award by a recipient to an eligible sub-
recipient or by a sub-recipient to a lower tier sub-recipient. The term 
includes financial assistance when provided by any legal agreement, 
even if the agreement is called a contract, but does not include 
procurement of goods and services nor does it include any form of 
assistance

[[Page 23778]]

which is excluded from the definition of ``award'' in 45 CFR Part 74.


    (Note:
    Equity investments and loan transactions are not sub-awards.)


    Technical assistance--A problem-solving event generally using the 
services of a specialist. Such services may be provided on-site, by 
telephone or by other communications. These services address specific 
problems and are intended to assist with immediate resolution of a 
given problem or set of problems.
    Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)--The Federal block 
grant program authorized in Title I of the Personal Responsibility and 
Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-193). The TANF 
program transformed ``welfare'' into a system that requires work in 
exchange for time-limited assistance.
    Third party--Any individual, organization or business entity that 
is not the direct recipient of grant funds.
    Third party agreement--A written agreement entered into by the 
grantee and an organization, individual or business entity (including a 
wholly owned subsidiary), by which the grantee makes an equity 
investment or a loan in support of grant purposes.
    Third party in-kind contributions--Non-cash contributions provided 
by non-Federal third parties. These contributions may be in the form of 
real property, equipment, supplies and other expendable property, and 
the value of goods and services directly benefiting and especially 
identifiable to the project or program.

Project Goals

    CED projects should further HHS goals of strengthening American 
families and promoting their self-sufficiency, and OCS goals of 
promoting healthy families in healthy communities. The CED Program is 
particularly directed toward public-private partnerships that develop 
employment and business opportunities for low-income people and 
revitalize distressed communities.

Project Scope

    The scope of this project is to undertake activities to strengthen 
the nationwide network of CDCs.

Priority Area

Community Economic Development Program (CED) Priority Area--Training 
and Technical Assistance
    By statute, this is the only Community Economic Development Grant 
Program Priority Area for which an applicant is not required to be a 
CDC. An eligible applicant must be a private, nonprofit organization 
that provides technical assistance to aid CDCs in developing employment 
and business opportunities for low income individuals. Funds will be 
awarded to an organization to provide broad training and technical 
assistance to strengthen the network of CDC's funded by OCS. An 
applicant in this priority area must demonstrate its national 
experience and capability in working with a network of organizations 
and implement projects that are nationwide in scope. The applicant must 
have the ability to collect and analyze data nationally that may be of 
benefit to CDCs and be able to disseminate information to all OCS-
funded CDCs. The applicant must conduct an assessment of the needs of 
the CDC network and a work plan that includes projects to be completed 
with CED funds in order to respond to these needs.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Types: Cooperative agreement.
    Description of Federal Substantial Involvement in Cooperative 
Agreement: A cooperative agreement is Federal assistance in which 
substantial Federal involvement is anticipated. Responsibilities of 
Federal staff and the successful applicants are negotiated prior to an 
award. The duties and responsibilities of the applicant and the ACF/OCS 
in fulfilling the cooperative agreement will include the following:
    Responsibilities of the grantee:
     To implement activities described in the 
approved project description.
     To develop and implement a work plan that will 
ensure that the training and technical assistance included in the 
approved application address the goals and objectives of the approved 
project in an efficient, effective and timely manner.
     To submit regular semi-annual Financial Status 
Report (Standard Form 269) and progress reports that describe 
activities undertaken under the training and technical assistance 
project.
     To work cooperatively and collaboratively with 
ACF officials, other Federal agency officials conducting related 
activities, and other entities or organizations contracted by ACF to 
assist in carrying out the purposes of the Community Economic 
Development Program. Such cooperation and collaboration shall include, 
but not be limited to, providing requested financial and programmatic 
information, creating opportunities for interviews with agency 
officials and staff and allowing on-site observation of activities 
supported under the cooperative agreement.
     To notify the Office of Community Services 
Project Officer in implementing the activities on an ongoing and 
frequent basis.
     To consult with the Office of Community Services 
Project Officer in implementing the activities on an ongoing and 
frequent basis.
     To comply with Community Economic Development 
Program regulations and all other applicable Federal statutes and 
regulations in effect during the time the applicant is receiving 
funding.
     To notify the Federal Project Officer of any key 
personnel changes in writing.
     To ensure that the executive director and/or 
project director attend a two-day OCS national grantee training 
workshop in Washington, DC The workshop will be scheduled shortly after 
the effective date of the grant award.
     To submit applications for continuation funding 
by July 1, 2004 if an applicant expects to receive a continuation 
cooperative agreement in FY 2005.
    Responsibilities of ACF/OCS:
     To provide consultation to the grantee with 
regard to the development of the work plan approaches to address 
problems that arise and identification of areas needing technical 
assistance.
     To consult with and to provide the grantee the 
data collection requirements of OCS and to keep the grantee informed of 
policy developments as they affect the implementation of the project.
     To provide timely review, comment and decisions 
on significant project documents.
     To work with the grantee to address issues or 
problems with regard to the grantee's ability to carry out the full 
range of activities include in the approved application in the most 
efficient and effective manner.
     To promptly review written requests for approval 
of deviations from the project descriptions or approved budget. Any 
changes which affect the terms and conditions of the grant award or 
revisions/amendments to the cooperative agreement or to the approved 
scope of activities will require prior approval by the ACF Grants 
Management Officer.
    Anticipated Total Program Funding: $23.4 Million is expected to be 
available for the entire Community Economic Development Program. The 
estimated level of funding available for this Training and Technical 
Assistance Priority Area is $269,060.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 1.

[[Page 23779]]

    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $269,060.
    An application that exceeds the upper value of the dollar range 
specified will be considered ``non-responsive'' and be returned to the 
applicant without further review.
    Floor on Individual Award Amounts: None.
    Project Periods for Award: This announcement is inviting 
applications for project periods up to 3 years. Awards, on a 
competitive basis, will be for a one-year budget period, although 
project periods may be for 3 years. Applications for continuation 
grants funded under these awards beyond the one-year budget period but 
within the 3 year project period will be entertained in subsequent 
years on a noncompetitive basis, subject to availability of funds, 
satisfactory progress of the grantee and a determination that continued 
funding would be in the best interest of the Government.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: Nonprofits recognized as exempt from 
Federal income tax under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue 
Code, other than institutions of higher education.
    Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, 
other than institutions of higher education.

Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations

Additional Information on Eligibility
    Applications that do not include proof of nonprofit status with 
their application will be disqualified.
    Any non-profit organization submitting an application must submit 
proof of its non-profit status in its application at the time of 
submission. The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a 
reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal 
Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations 
described in the IRS Code; a copy of a currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate; a statement from a State taxing body, State 
attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that 
the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the 
net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; a 
certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or 
similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status; or any of 
the items referenced above for a State or national parent organization 
and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant 
organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms'' titled ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants'' 
at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching: None.
    3. Other: On June 27, 2003, the Office of Management and Budget 
published in the Federal Register a new Federal policy applicable to 
all Federal grant applicants. The policy requires all Federal grant 
applicants to provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering 
System (DUNS) number when applying for Federal grants or cooperative 
agreements on or after October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be 
required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or 
using the government-wide electronic portal (http://www.Grants.gov). A 
DUNS number will be required for every application for a new award or 
renewal/continuation of an award, including applications or plans under 
formula, entitlement and block grant programs, submitted on or after 
October 1, 2003.
    Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may 
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free 
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

Office of Community Services, Operations Center, Administration for 
Children and Families, 1815 North Fort Myer Drive Suite 300, Arlington, 
Virginia 22209, e-mail: [email protected], Telephone: (800) 281-9519.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. Application Content
    Each application must include the following components:
    1. Table of Contents.
    2. Abstract of the Proposed Project--one or two paragraphs, not to 
exceed 350 words, that describe the community in which the project will 
be implemented, beneficiaries to be served, type(s) of business(es) to 
be developed, type(s) of jobs to be created, projected cost-per-job, 
any land or building to be purchased or building constructed, resources 
leveraged and intended impact on the community.
    3. Completed Standard Form 424--that has been signed by an official 
of the organization applying for the grant who has legal authority to 
obligate the organization. Under Box 11. indicate the Priority Area for 
which the application is written.
    4. Standard Form 424A--Budget Information-Non-Construction 
Programs.
    5. Standard Form 424B--Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.
    6. Narrative Budget Justification--for each object class category 
required under Section B, Standard Form 424A.
    Applicants are encouraged to use job titles and not specific names 
in developing the application budget. However, the specific salary 
rates or amounts for staff positions identified must be included in the 
application budget.
    7. Project Narrative--A narrative that addresses issues described 
in the ``Application Review Information'' and the ``Review and 
Selection Criteria'' sections of this announcement.
2. Application Format
    Submit application materials on white 8\1/2\ x 11 inch paper only. 
Do not use colored, oversized or folded materials. Do not include 
organizational brochures or other promotional materials, slides, films, 
clips, etc. The font size may be no smaller than 12 pitch and the 
margins must be at least one inch on all sides. Number all application 
pages sequentially throughout the package, beginning with the abstract 
of the proposed project as page number one. Present application 
materials either in loose-leaf notebooks or in folders with pages two-
hole punched at the top center and fastened separately with a slide 
paper fastener. Each application should include one signed original and 
two additional copies.
3. Page Limitation
    The application package including sections for the Table of 
Contents, Project Abstract, Project and Budget Narratives, business and 
work plans must not exceed 60 pages. The page limitation does not 
include Standard Forms and Assurances, Certifications, Disclosures, 
appendices and any supplemental documents as required in this 
announcement.
    An application that exceeds the page limitation specified will be 
considered ``non-responsive'' and be returned to the applicant without 
further review.

[[Page 23780]]

4. Required Standard Forms
    Applicants requesting financial assistance must complete and submit 
an SF 424 ``Application for Federal Assistance'' SF 424A ``Budget 
Information--Non Construction Programs and 424B, ``Assurances: Non-
Construction Programs.''
    Applicants must provide a certification regarding lobbying when 
applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants must sign and 
return the certification with their applications.
    Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the Standard Form 
LLL when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who 
have used non-Federal funds for lobbying activities in connection with 
receiving assistance under this announcement shall complete a 
disclosure form to report lobbying. Applicants must sign and return the 
disclosure form, if applicable, with their applications.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. 
Applicants provide certification by signing the SF424 and need not mail 
back the certification with the application. Applications provide 
certification by signing the SF 424 and need not mail back the 
certification with the application.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with the requirements of the Pro-Children Act of 1994 as 
outlined in Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke. 
Applicants provide certification by signing the SF 424 and need not 
mail the application back with the application.
    Applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies 
(not the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals 
specified in the application budget.
    Applicants may submit your application to us in either electronic 
or paper format. To submit an application electronically, please use 
the http://www.Grants.gov apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will 
be able to download a coy of the application package, complete it off-
line, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov 
site. You may not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to 
us.
    Please note the following if you plan to submit your application 
electronically via Grants. Gov
     Electronic submission is voluntary.
     When you enter the Grants. Gov site, you will 
find information about submitting an application electronically through 
the site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that 
you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the 
application process through Grants. Gov.
     To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must 
have a DUNS Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry 
(CCR). You should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR 
registration.
     You will not receive additional point value 
because you submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will 
we penalize you if you submit an application in paper format.
     You may submit all documents electronically, 
including all information typically included on the SF 424 and all 
necessary assurances and certifications.
     Your application must comply with any page 
limitation requirements described in this program announcement.
     After you electronically submit your 
application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement from 
Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking number. The 
Administration for Children and Families will retrieve your application 
from Grants.
     We may request that you provide original 
signatures on forms at a later date.
     You may access the electronic application for 
this program on http://www.Grants.gov.
     You must search for the downloadable application 
package by the CFDA number.

3. Submission Date and Times

    The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. 
eastern standard time (e.s.t.) on June 29, 2004. Mailed or hand carried 
applications received after 4:30 p.m. on the closing date will be 
classified as late.
    Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an 
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time 
and date at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services 
Operations Center, 1815 Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 
22209 Attention: Operations Center. Applicants are responsible for 
mailing applications well in advance, when using all mail services, to 
ensure that the applications are received on or before the deadline 
time and date.
    Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other 
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers 
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are 
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., e.s.t., at the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community 
Services Operations Center, 1815 Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, 
Virginia 22209, between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays). 
This address must appear on the envelope/package containing the 
application with the note: ``Attention: Operations Center''. Applicants 
are responsible for express/overnight mail delivery services.
    Late applications: Applications which do not meet the criteria 
above are considered late applications and will not be considered. ACF 
shall notify each late applicant that its application will not be 
considered in the current competition.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or 
when there are widespread disruptions of mails service. Determinations 
to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants 
Management Officer.
    Required Forms:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          What to submit                 Required content         Required form or format      When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents.................  As described above........  Consistent with guidance    By application due
                                                                 in ``Application Format''   date.
                                                                 section of this
                                                                 announcement.
-----------------------------------
Abstract of Proposed Project......  Identifies project, the     Consistent with guidance    By application due
                                     target population and the   in ``Application Format''   date.
                                     major elements of the       section of this
                                     proposed project.           announcement.
-----------------------------------
Completed Standard Form 424.......  As described above and per  May be found on http://     By application due
                                     required form.              www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/   date.
                                                                 ofs/forms.htm.
-----------------------------------

[[Page 23781]]

 
Completed Standard Form 424A......  As described above and per  May be found on http://     By application due
                                     required form.              www.acf.hhs.gov/program/    date.
                                                                 ofs/forms.htm.
-----------------------------------
Completed Standard Form 424B......  As described above and per  May be found on http://     By application due
                                     required form.              www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/   date.
                                                                 ofs/forms.htm.
-----------------------------------
Narrative Budget Justification....  As described above........  Consistent with guidance    By application due
                                                                 in ``Application Format''   date.
                                                                 section of this
                                                                 announcement.
-----------------------------------
Project Narrative.................  A narrative that addresses  Consistent with guidance    By application due
                                     issues described in the     in ``Application Format''   date.
                                     ``Application Review        section of this
                                     Information'' and the       announcement.
                                     ``Review and Selection
                                     Criteria'' sections of
                                     this announcement.
-----------------------------------
Certification regarding lobbying..  As described above and per  May be found on http://     By application due
                                     required form.              www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/   date.
                                                                 ofs.forms.htm.
-----------------------------------
Certification regarding             As described above and per  May be found on http://     By application due
 environmental tobacco smoke.        required form.              www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/   date.
                                                                 ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Intergovernmental Review

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
    This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR part 100, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services 
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own 
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance 
under covered programs. As of October 1, 2003, the following 
jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order 
process. Applicants from these jurisdictions or for projects 
administered by federally-recognized Indian Tribes need take no action 
in regard to E.O. 12372.
    All States and Territories except Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, 
Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, 
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, 
Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, 
Washington, Wyoming and Palau have elected to participate in the 
Executive Order process and have established Single Points of Contact 
(SPOCs). Applicants from these twenty-six jurisdictions need take no 
action.
    Although the jurisdictions listed above no longer participate in 
the process, entities which have met the eligibility requirements of 
the program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, 
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. All remaining 
jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order process and have 
established SPOCs. Applicants from participating jurisdictions should 
contact their SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them of the 
prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants must 
submit any required material to the SPOCs as soon as possible so that 
the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as part of the 
award process. The applicant must submit all required materials, if 
any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or the date 
of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item 
16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application 
deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards.
    SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine 
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are 
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and 
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the 
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
    When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be 
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration 
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, DC 20447.
    A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory 
is included with the application materials for this announcement.

5. Funding Restrictions

National Historic Preservation Act
    If an applicant is proposing a project which will affect a property 
listed in, or eligible for, inclusion in the National Register of 
Historic Places, it must identify this property in the narrative and 
explain how it has complied with the National Historic Preservation Act 
of 1996, as amended. If there is any question as to whether the 
property is listed in or eligible for inclusion in the National 
Register of Historic Places, the applicant must consult with the State 
Historic Preservation Officer and describe in the narrative the content 
of such consultation.
Sub-Contracting or Delegating Projects
    OCS will not fund any project where the role of the applicant is 
primarily to serve as a conduit for funds to organizations other than 
the applicant. The applicant must have a substantive role in the 
implementation of the project for which funding is requested. This 
prohibition does not bar the making of sub-grants or sub-contracting 
for specific services or activities needed to conduct the project.
Number of Projects in Application
    Each application may include only one proposed project.
Prohibited Activities
    OCS will not consider applications that propose to establish Small 
Business Investment Corporations or Minority Enterprise Small Business 
Investment Corporations.
    Pre-award costs will not be covered by an award.

6. Other Submission Requirements

Sufficiency of Financial Management System
    Because CED funds are Federal, all grantees must be capable of 
meeting the requirements of 45 CFR part 74 concerning their financial 
management system. To assure that the applicant has such capability, 
applications must

[[Page 23782]]

include a signed statement from a Certified or Licensed Public 
Accountant as to the sufficiency of the CDCs financial management 
system in accordance with 45 CFR 74 and financial statements for the 
CDC for the prior three years. If such statements are not available 
because the CDC is a newly formed entity, the application must include 
a statement to this effect. The CDC grantee is responsible for ensuring 
that grant funds expended by it and the third party are expended in 
compliance with Federal regulations of 45 CFR part 74 and OMB Circular 
A-122.
Work Plan
    An applicant must include a detailed work plan covering the 
activities to be undertaken and benchmarks that demonstrate progress 
toward stated goals and measurable objectives.
Evaluation
    Applications must include provision for an independent, 
methodologically sound evaluation of the effectiveness of the 
activities carried out with the grant and their efficacy in creating 
new jobs and business ownership opportunities. There must be a well-
defined process evaluation, and an outcome evaluation whose design will 
permit tracking of project participants throughout the proposed project 
period. The evaluation must be conducted by an independent evaluator, 
i.e., a person with recognized evaluation skills who is 
organizationally distinct from, and not under the control of, the 
applicant. It is important that each successful applicant have a third-
party evaluator selected, and implement their role at the very latest 
by the time the work program of the project is begun, and if possible 
before that time so that he or she can participate in the design of the 
program, in order to assure that data necessary for the evaluation will 
be collected and available.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)
    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 25 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and 
reviewing the collection of information. The uniform project 
description is approved under Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
Control Number 0970-0139.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required 
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently valid OMB control number.
Purpose
    The project description provides a major means by which an 
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications 
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and 
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are 
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can 
present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project 
description, all information requested through each specific evaluation 
criteria should be provided. Awarding offices use this and other 
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important, 
therefore, that this information be included in the application.
Introduction
    Applicants required to submit a full project description shall 
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the 
following instructions and the specified evaluation criteria. The 
instructions give a broad overview of what your project description 
should include while the evaluation criteria expands and clarifies more 
program-specific information that is needed.
Project Summary/Abstract
    Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with 
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
    Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need 
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate 
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting 
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from 
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any 
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred 
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and 
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the 
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to 
provide information on the total range of projects currently being 
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be 
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected
    Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, 
describe the population to be served by the program and the number of 
new jobs that will be targeted to the target population. Explain how 
the project will reach the targeted population, how it will benefit 
participants including how it will support individuals to become more 
economically self-sufficient.
Approach
    Outline a plan of action which describes the scope and detail of 
how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions 
or activities identified in the application. Cite factors which might 
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the 
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of 
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in 
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
    Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such 
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities 
accomplished. Account for all functions or activities identified in the 
application. Cite factors that might accelerate or decelerate the work 
and state your reasons for taking the proposed approach rather than 
others. Describe any unusual features of the project such as design or 
technical innovations, reductions in cost or time or extraordinary 
social and community involvement.
    Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in , for 
example such terms as the ``number of people served.'' When 
accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them 
in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and 
their target dates.
    If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, 
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that 
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
    List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key 
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description 
of the nature of their effort or contribution.

[[Page 23783]]

Evaluation
    Provide a narrative addressing how the results of the project and 
the conduct of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the 
evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which 
the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which 
the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project. 
Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the 
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and 
discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are 
being achieved. With respect to the conduct of the project, define the 
procedures to be employed to determine whether the project is being 
conducted in a manner consistent with the work plan presented and 
discuss the impact of the project's various activities on the project's 
effectiveness.
Organizational Profiles
    Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and 
cooperating partners such as organizational charts, financial 
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public 
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, 
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other 
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance 
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of 
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. Any 
non-profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of 
its non-profit status in its application at the time of submission.
    The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a copy of 
the applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most 
recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) 
of the IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the articles of 
incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or 
association is domiciled.
Budget and Budget Justification
    Provide line item detail and detailed calculations for each budget 
object class identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed 
calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, 
and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to 
be duplicated. The detailed budget must also include a breakout by the 
funding sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, 
and allocability of the proposed costs.

Evaluation Criteria

Criteria for Review and Evaluation of Applications Submitted Under 
Priority Area--Training and Technical Assistance

Evaluation Criterion I: Organizational Profiles (Maximum: 35 points)
    Application has documented experience in working with a nationwide 
network of organizations. (0-5 points)
    Application has documented the capability to provide leadership in 
addressing immediate and long-term issues in such areas as business 
development; commercial development; organizational board and staff 
development; and micro-entrepreneurship development. (0-5 points)
    Application documents a capability to provide effective training 
and technical assistance skilled individuals and/or organizations in 
two or more of the following areas: Business management, including 
strategic planning and fiscal management; finance, including 
development of financial packages and provision of financial packages 
and provision of financial/accounting services; and regulatory 
compliance, including assistance with zoning and permit issues. (0-10 
points)
    The proposed project director and primary staff are well qualified 
and their professional experiences are relevant to the successful 
implementation of the proposed project. (0-5 points)
    The application documents an understanding of poverty, distressed 
communities and effective intervention through economic development, 
including job creation. (0-10 points)
Evaluation Criterion II: Approach (Maximum: 30 Points)
    The application includes a detailed and specific work plan that is 
both sound and feasible. Specifically, the work plan:
     Reports on findings from a CDC network 
assessment. (0-5 points)
     Demonstrates in some specificity the kinds of 
training and technical assistance to be provided to the network of 
community development corporations in response to the needs assessment. 
(0-5 points)
     Demonstrates that all activities are 
comprehensive and nationwide in scope, adequately described, and 
appropriately related to the goals of the program. (0-5 points)
     Delineates the tasks and sub-tasks involved in 
the areas necessary to carry out the responsibilities, i.e. training, 
technical assistance, research, outreach seminars, etc. (0-5 points)
     States the intermediate and end products to be 
developed by task and sub-task. (0-5 points)
     Provides realistic time frames and a chronology 
of key activities for the goals and objectives. (0-5 points)
Evaluation Criterion III: Results or Benefits Expected (Maximum: 15 
points)
    Project funds will be used for the purpose of providing training 
and technical assistance on a national basis to the network of 
community development corporations. The application describes how:
     The project will assure long-term program and 
management improvements for community development corporations. (0-5 
points)
     The project will impact on a significant number 
of community development corporations. (0-5 points)
     The project will leverage or mobilize 
significant other non-federal resources for the direct benefit of the 
project. (0-5 points)
Evaluation Criterion IV: Objectives and Need for Assistance (Maximum: 
10 points)
    The application documents that the project addresses a vital, 
nationwide need related to the purposes of Community Development 
Corporations and provide data and information in support of its 
contention. (0-10 points)
Evaluation Criterion V: Budget Reasonableness (Maximum: 10 points)
     The resources requested are reasonable and 
adequate to accomplish the project. (0-5 points)
     Total costs are reasonable and consistent with 
anticipated results. (0-5 points)

2. Review and Selection Process

Initial OCS Screening
    Each application submitted to OCS will be screened to determine 
whether it was received by the closing date and time.
    Applications received by the closing date and time will be screened 
for completeness and conformity with the following requirements. Only 
complete applications that meet the requirements listed below will be 
reviewed and evaluated competitively. Other applications will be 
returned to the

[[Page 23784]]

applicants with a notation that they were unacceptable and will not be 
reviewed.
    All applications must comply with the following requirements except 
as noted: (a) The application must contain a signed Standard Form 424 
Application for Federal Assistance, a Standard Form 424-A Budget 
Information and signed Standard Form 424B Assurance--Non-Construction 
Programs completed according to instructions provided in this Program 
Announcement. The forms SF-424 and the SF-424B must be signed by an 
official of the organization applying for the grant who has authority 
to obligate the organization legally. The applicant's legal name as 
required on the SF-424 (Item 5) must match that listed as corresponding 
to the Employer Identification Number (Item 6);
    (b) The application must include a project narrative that meets 
requirements set for in this announcement.
    (c) The application must contain documentation of the applicant's 
tax-exempt status as indicated in the ``Additional Information on 
Eligibility'' section of this announcement.
OCS Evaluation of Applications
    Applications that pass the initial OCS screening will be reviewed 
and rated by a panel based on the program elements and review criteria 
presented in relevant sections of this program announcement.
    The review criteria are designed to enable the review panel to 
assess the quality of a proposed project and determine the likelihood 
of its success. The criteria are closely related to each other and are 
considered as a whole in judging the overall quality of an application. 
The review panel awards points only to applications that are responsive 
to the program elements and relevant review criteria within the context 
of this program announcement.
    The OCS Director and the program staff use the reviewer scores when 
considering competing applications. Reviewer scores will weigh heavily 
in funding decisions, but will not be the only factors considered.
    Applications generally will be considered in order of the average 
scores assigned by the review panel. Because other important factors 
are taken into consideration, highly ranked applications are not 
guaranteed funding. These other considerations include, for example: 
the timely and proper completion by the applicant of projects funded 
with OCS funds granted in the last five (5) years; comments of 
reviewers and government officials; staff evaluation and input; amount 
and duration of the grant requested and the proposed project's 
consistency and harmony with OCS goals and policy; geographic 
distribution of applications; previous program performance of 
applicants; compliance with grant terms under previous HHS grants, 
including the actual dedication to program of mobilized resources as 
set forth in project applications; audit reports; investigative 
reports; and applicant's progress in resolving any final audit 
disallowance on previous OCS or other Federal agency grants.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices: The successful applicants will be notified 
through the issuance of a Financial Assistance Award document which 
sets forth the amount of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the 
grant, the effective date of the grant, the budget period and project 
period for which support is granted and the non-Federal share to be 
provided. The Financial Assistance Award will be signed and issued by 
an authorized Grants Officer and transmitted via postal mail.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: 45 CFR part 74.

3. Reporting Requirements

    Programmatic Reports: Semi-annually with a final report due 90 days 
after the project end date.
    Financial Reports: Semi-annually with a final report due 90 days 
after the project end date.
    Special Reporting Requirements: None.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Program Office Contact: Debbie Brown, Office of Community Services, 
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Aerospace Building 5th Floor West, E-mail: 
[email protected], Telephone: (202) 401-3445.
    Grants Management Office Contact: Barbara Ziegler Johnson, Office 
of Grants Management, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant 
Promenade, SW.--4th Floor West, Aerospace Building, Washington, DC 
20447-0002, e-mail: [email protected], Telephone: (202) 401-
2344.

VIII. Other Information

    Additional information about this program and its purpose can be 
located on the following Web site: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs.

    Dated: April 26, 2004.
Clarence H. Carter,
Director, Office of Community Services.
[FR Doc. 04-9819 Filed 4-29-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P